Texture book
Babies and toddlers learn through their senses and texture books are an experiential learning opportunity. Reading opportunities that engage the senses support language development, increase vocabulary, encourage turn-taking and strengthen relationships.
Why do it?
- At this age, baby is interested in details such as texture, and can explore a fabric ‘texture book’ safely.
- A book made of different fabrics is easy to make.
- Whānau can also use the texture book in the Exploring textures play idea.
How to do it
- Cut between 6 and 8 fabric pieces, about 15 cm square. Use a range of fabric types such as satin, wool, fake fur, lace and so on.
- Sew or staple them together firmly, to make a book.
- If you use staples, cover the backs of the staples so there are no sharp points that could poke baby (for example, use strong tape that baby can’t pull off).
- If you’re keen to get more creative things can be added by securely sewing different coloured or shaped patches or buttons to the pages.
- Be sure to sew carefully and strongly so there’s no danger of baby pulling or chewing anything off the material that could be a choking hazard (like a button).
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pukapuka | Book |
| Aro | Notice, pay attention to |
| Papanga | Material, fabric |
| Tapanga | Naming, label |
| Whakahahakitia | Point out, draw attention to |
| Tairongo | Sense |
| Rongo whakapā | Sense of touch |
| Kakano | Texture |
| Newanewa | Soft to touch |
| Mākohakoha | Smooth |
| Perehunga | Fluffy |
| Pāhura | Hairy |
| Mātoretore | Rough |
| Māngūngungu | Be gritty |
| Huruhuru | Fur, feather |
| Wūru | Wool |
| Hiraka | Silky |
| Pīataata | Shiny, bright |
| Poka | Poke |
| Ngā āhuahanga | Shapes |
| Porowhita | Circle |
| Tapawhā | Rectangle |
| Porotītaha | Oval |
| Tapatoru | Triangle |
| Tui(a) | To sew |
| Ngā pātene | Buttons |
| Kia tūpato | Be careful |
| Rāoa | To choke, be choking |
| He aha tēnei? | What is this? |
| He mākohakoha tēnei rauemi | This material is smooth |
| Kei te rongo ahau tētahi mea newanewa | I can feel something soft |
| Homai tō ringaringa | Give me your hands |
| Me pēhea te pā? | How does it feel? |
